Summary

• The TV war movie genre holds hidden gems like The Day After, delivering chilling realism and high-quality visuals.
• Fail Safe's live TV adaptation is a suspenseful masterpiece, exploring a no-win scenario with intense performances.
• The Pentagon Papers sheds light on historical events with strong performances, making it a must-watch war movie.

When thinking about the war movies that will have slipped under most audience’s radars. This isn't for lack of quality, but because they were released on TV and not in theaters.

The TV war movie is almost a genre in itself, with directors pressured into fitting a complex narrative into usually a shorter time frame and budget than the theatrical movies would have. However, some of these made-for-television war films are easily as good as – if not better than – their cinematic counterparts. While there are great theatrical war movies releasing in 2024, the movies below are a great reminder that some of the best war stories are told on the small screen.

10 The Day After

Released In 1983

Set in a fictional Cold War that ultimately leads to full-on nuclear war, The Day After captures life in middle America should such a war break out. The movie portrays a small town in Kansas as it grapples with the looming nuclear threat, and its realism sets it above other TV movies from the period. Despite being a TV movie, director Nicholas Meyer gives The Day After delivers excellent visuals, makeup, and cinematography. The film’s depiction of the aftermath of a nuclear attack is totally chilling.

It doesn’t shy away from the horrors of nuclear winter, scenes of doomed patients feel horrifically cinematic.

The special effects – especially on a 1980s TV budget – are commendable. The characters of Dr Russell Oakes, Denise Dahlberg, and Stephen Klein face the unimaginable in this film, and their experiences are bound to evoke empathy in the audience. Above all else, the film serves as a stark warning about the dangers of nuclear weapons. The Day After could easily have been theatrically released, and its impact remains relevant even today.

9 Fail Safe

Released In 2000

Originally a novel, the 2000 TV movie adaptation of Fail Safe strikes an impressive chord with its grim, high-minded exploration of the ultimate Doomsday scenario. The fact that it was broadcast on TV rather than released theatrically meant that – uniquely – the adaptation was performed live by its cast. Starring icons of the silver screen Hank Azaria, Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Richard Dreyfuss, Harvey Keitel, and Noah Wyle, the film was broadcast in black-and-white, adding to its chilling tone and cinematic feel. The absence of a musical score adds to the eerie effect, emphasizing the tension and urgency of the situation.

It is a must-watch for those interested in understanding the precarious balance of power during that tumultuous period.

Fail Safe takes a dignified, humane approach to a no-win situation, where an American president must grapple with the horrifying consequences of a system malfunction that triggers an inadvertent attack order. While it may not have achieved the same iconic status as other nuclear panic films such as Dr. Strangelove, this under-the-radar classic is a masterpiece of suspense, capturing the high stakes and existential dread of the Cold War era. It is a must-watch for those interested in understanding the precarious balance of power during that tumultuous period. Stephen Frears’s skillful direction and the intense performances elevate Fail Safe beyond the small screen.

8 The Pentagon Papers

Released In 2003

The Pentagon Papers delves into the true story of Daniel Ellsberg, a high-ranking Pentagon official during the Nixon era, and sheds light on the events surrounding governmental deception around the Vietnam War. James Spader stars as Ellsberg and delivers an astonishingly strong performance. His portrayal captures the complexity of a man torn between loyalty to his country and the truth he uncovers. The film revolves around Ellsberg’s decision to leak top-secret documents to the press – documents which reveal the true nature of America’s involvement in the Vietnam War, and Spader’s performance brings a level of tension to the film that rivals some theatrical features.

Ellsberg’s leak significantly changed public perception of the government and the war. It was a turning point in American history that shaped how some people viewed the government, so from a historical point-of-view this film is absolutely worth watching. Running for only just over an hour and a half, The Pentagon Papers manages to convey depth and historical context without feeling rushed. Rod Holcomb’s direction keeps viewers engaged throughout, ensuring the film is provocative and enthralling whether you’re a conspiracy buff, history enthusiast, or just love war movies.

7 The Tuskegee Airmen

Released In 1995

Blending a true story with dramatized elements, The Tuskegee Airmen tells the story of the first all-African-American Air Force squadron during World War II. The movie explores the real-life struggles faced by these pioneering aviators – despite initial resistance from white officers, the Tuskegee Airmen proved their mettle and became a fearsome group of pilots. Ambitious young pilot Hannibal Lee is played by Laurence Fishburne, which gives the TV movie a cinema star to anchor itself to.

The film features outstanding aerial sequences, capturing the intensity of air combat while feeling expansive and pushing the boundaries of TV. These scenes immerse the audience in the action and showcase the Airmen’s skills. The plot focuses on the bigotry and racism faced by the Airmen, both within and outside the military. Their perseverance and camaraderie make for a gripping narrative and provides something different to what theatrically released war movies tend to focus on.

6 The Lost Battalion

Released In 2001

The Lost Battalion recounts the harrowing true story of the US 77th Division’s Lost Battalion during World War I. Priding itself on historical accuracy, the film attempts to portray events as close to real life as it can, examining the desperate situation faced by the trapped battalion, surrounded by German forces in the Argonne Forest during the Meuse–Argonne Offensive of 1918. For a TV movie, the battle scenes are visceral and realistic, capturing the brutality of trench warfare without feeling gratuitously violent.

The cast delivers performances worthy of the cinema, immersing viewers in the emotional turmoil of war.

The film doesn’t shy away from showing the grim realities faced by soldiers, ensuring the audience will be engrossed throughout the runtime. The story revolves around Major Charles White Whittlesey (played by Rick Schroder) and his leadership as he tries to keep his men alive against overwhelming odds. The cast delivers performances worthy of the cinema, immersing viewers in the emotional turmoil of war. The Lost Battalion combines historical significance and intense action with a naturalistic tone and strong direction to create a must-watch for war movie fans.

5 The Great Escape II: The Untold Story

Released In 1988

1963’s The Great Escape is rightly considered one of the greatest war movies ever. Its 1988 made-for-television sequel boasts an impressive cast, starring Christopher Reeve, Judd Hirsch, Anthony Denison, and an appearance from Donald Pleasence. It continues the tale of Allied prisoners attempting to break out of a German stalag during WWII, but unlike the fictionalized characters in the original, the sequel uses real names and dramatizes the real escape. It captures the spirit of wartime resilience as Reeve’s Major Johnnie Dodge takes center stage.

As an American-born British Army officer, his journey to freedom after the escape becomes a compelling narrative thread, his determination and courage bound to resonate heavily with viewers.

The second half of the film delves into the investigation of the murders of fifty escapees by the Gestapo. Dodge, along with two Americans, seek justice for their fallen comrades, which gives a depth to the story only exacerbated by the fact that the characters were real. Reeve’s portrayal of Major Dodge is commendable, and Hirsch shines as Captain David Matthews. The ensemble cast, including Pleasence, deliver many notable – at times emotional – performances. Despite being made on a far smaller budget than the original film, The Great Escape II is more than a worthy sequel.

4 Live from Baghdad

Released In 2002

Boasting a cast including Michael Keaton and Helena Bonham Carter, it’s a surprise that this film never made it to theaters given how strong its production quality is. Directed by seasoned TV movie director Mick Jackson, Live from Baghdad offers a glimpse into CNN’s Gulf War coverage. The film is based on Robert Wiener’s book and features Michael Keaton as Wiener, a CNN producer in Baghdad during the Gulf War. It captures the challenges faced by journalists covering the conflict, including the battle for access and the decision to risk their lives for the story.

Keaton and Bonham Carter deliver incredibly compelling performances while Bruce McGill’s portrayal of Peter Arnett is particularly memorable. While entertaining, this film is undoubtedly aimed more at history fans as it doesn’t contain a huge amount of detail about the background of the 1991 Gulf War itself. Nonetheless, it serves as a harrowing reminder of CNN’s role during that critical period. Providing an at times shocking look into the intense world of war reporting, showcasing the dedication and risks taken by journalists in pursuit of the truth, Live from Baghdad is a TV movie not to be overlooked.

3 Escape from Sobibor

Released In 1987

Set during World War II and based on a true story, Escape from Sobibor portrays the heroic uprising of Jewish prisoners in Sobibor, a Nazi death camp in German-occupied Poland. The film accurately depicts the horrors of the concentration camps and the brutal treatment of prisoners without shying away from the atrocities committed by the Nazis. While at times brutal, the film has a palpable realism to it that is unrivaled even by modern-day theatrical releases.

The heart of the story lies in the prisoners’ determination to escape. Led by Alexander Pechersky (Rutger Hauer) and Leon Feldhendler (Alan Arkin), they devise a daring plan to break free. The tension builds as they face Nazi officers and Ukrainian guards. Despite the grim circumstances, the film highlights the resilience and courage of the prisoners. Some scenes are difficult to watch due to their brutality, but they serve as a powerful reminder of the inhumanity faced by those imprisoned at the Nazis’ hands. The escape sequence provides a satisfying payoff after witnessing such suffering, and its 1980s made-for-TV origins do not detract from the quality of the story.

2 Churchill and the Generals

Released In 1979

Delving into the intricate relationship between Winston Churchill and the generals of the Allied forces during World War II, the BBC’s Churchill and the Generals was heavily advised in the writing process by Peter Young, who had served in World War II, giving the film a real sense of authenticity. Set in the Cabinet Office and War Rooms between 1940 and 1945, the series captures the tension, strategic decisions, and clashes of personalities during this critical period.

As retreat, evacuation, and surrender seemed imminent, Churchill sought to reinvigorate the army’s performance on the battlefield.

The drama portrays Churchill’s mounting frustration with the army during the darkest days of the war. As retreat, evacuation, and surrender seemed imminent, Churchill sought to reinvigorate the army’s performance on the battlefield. Timothy West’s performance as Winston Churchill is nothing short of exceptional, and Eric Porter as Sir Alan Brooke is equally marvelous. The cast – as well as the film’s historical accuracy – elevate this made-for-television production beyond some of the theatrical films at the time. Expertly showcasing the complexities of wartime leadership and the pivotal role played by these historical figures, Churchill and the Generals should be on any WWII buff’s watchlist.

1 The Scarlet and the Black

Released In 1983

A co-production between Italy and America, Jerry London’s The Scarlet and the Black tells the true story of Vatican Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty (Gregory Peck), who defied a Nazi colonel (Christopher Plummer) by hiding thousands of escaped POWs in occupied Rome during World War II. Despite Peck’s Irish accent, the film’s powerful narrative is a triumph, and its over-two-hour runtime gives it time to breathe.

It has a cinematic quality in the visually striking shots of the Vatican, boosted further by Ennio Morricone’s beautiful and memorable score which enhances the emotional impact of key moments, underscoring the stakes and the sacrifices made by the characters. The movie transcends its made-for-television origins, offering a moving and thought-provoking experience. Its themes of courage, comion, and exploration of wartime struggle ensure that The Scarlet and the Black remains a timeless classic.